Your retirement is really a time to look forward to – the day you finally get to hang up your hat for good and break free of the 9-to-5 is cause for celebration! It represents the beginning of the rest of your life, spent doing what you want to do instead of what you have to in order to earn a living. In this new chapter, you might be interested in the benefits that independent Retirement Living can offer, as part of your health and wellbeing plan.
It’s important to keep an eye on your health if you want to stay active and enjoy your retirement for a long time. Our bodies change as we get older, and this often means it’s difficult to do things we were once able to do with ease. Creating a wellness plan to ensure your healthcare needs are met becomes a vital component of any retirement plan. By planning ahead, you can make sure you have access to the necessary resources and support.
One thing that can really help you to stay well and healthy is moving to a Retirement Living Community (also known as a retirement village), which can offer a range of benefits that will help you to feel vital and active for a long time to come. Here at TriCare, we have vibrant and established retirement villages in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, New South Wales and Melbourne, allowing you to choose a local or dream destination that fits your retirement dreams. Independent living in a retirement home nestled in a supportive environment can make a significant difference in your overall happiness and health.
What to expect from living in a Retirement Community
Retirement Village Living can greatly enhance your overall wellbeing in several ways. Our retirement homes are each within a clos-knit environment where you can enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle, with the support you need. Here are just some of the things you can expect from living in one of our Retirement Communities that can make your life better:
1. Low maintenance living
In many retirement homes, you can say goodbye to the hassle of home maintenance. With services like landscaping, housekeeping, and maintenance staff available, depending on the level of support you choose, you can focus on enjoying your retirement fully rather than worrying about chores. Of course, if these are activities you enjoy, you’re always welcome to take care of them yourself, but the important thing is: the choice is yours. Some of the jobs that your on-site maintenance team can manage for you include:
- Lawn and garden maintenance
- Moving heavy furniture
- Outdoor maintenance, such as clearing gutters
- Basic household tasks such as changing light bulbs or fixing creaky fixtures
- Household repairs, including minor plumbing and electrical repairs.
Having these tasks taken care of allows you to spend more time on hobbies and interests you enjoy. You can use your newfound free time to explore new activities, revisit old passions or spend more time with family and friends. Delegating these chores to a professional also means you can steer clear of excessive strain, allowing you to dedicate your health to the sports and leisurely activities you love.
2. A life of socialising
Each of our TriCare Retirement Communities foster a vibrant social atmosphere. When you live in one of our retirement villages, you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded people, participate in group activities and excursions, and build lasting friendships. Retirement living surrounded by others has been proven to have an abundance of positive effects. Studies have shown that people who feel supported socially:
- Experience lower rates of depression and anxiety
- Experience a decreased risk of cognitive decline
- Experience higher quality of sleep
- Have better memory and focus
- Are more resilient to adverse or stressful events
- Have a greater sense of self-esteem and purpose
- Live longer.
The social connections you can foster when independent living in one of our retirement communities can significantly improve your quality of life. You can find joy and a sense of belonging in shared experiences as you create lasting memories with new friends.
3. Keeping your mind active
Living in one of our retirement homes opens up many opportunities to learn something new and join in with activities that keep your mind active and engaged. From book clubs and lectures to art classes and brain-training exercises, these opportunities help maintain cognitive function and contribute to a fulfilling retirement. Engaging in these activities can help keep your mind sharp and prevent cognitive decline, allowing you to enjoy your days fully.
Your own personal support team
Retirement Villages foster a sense of community and support. As we age, transitioning through the changes of retirement can be challenging, especially if we are going through it alone or feel isolated. In times of joy or difficulty, having a network of friends and neighbours who understand and care can provide emotional support and promote wellbeing. These relationships can help reduce stress and give us a positive outlook on life. Knowing that you have a support system in place can bring peace of mind and a sense of security, especially if your support network is filled with like minded individuals experiencing the same stages of life.
Activities for everyone
Each of our options can include a wide range of amenities and organised activities to support an active and healthy lifestyle. You might like to start your morning with a swim in the heated swimming pool, challenge your neighbours to a friendly game of pickleball, or enjoy the sunset with family over a BBQ dinner in the alfresco courtyard. From tennis courts, putting greens and fitness classes to barbecues, art studios, games rooms, and libraries, there are almost endless opportunities for physical exercise, mental stimulation, and pursuing hobbies.
“This is a lovely village with beautiful gardens and a river running by,” said Cypress Gardens Retirement Community resident William Adams.
Mt Gravatt resident Barry Wiggins said, “There are many activities for residents with our own gym, two swimming pools, indoor bowls, billiards room, movie theatre, and several lounges.”
The variety of amenities ensures that there is always something to do, catering to different interests and preferences. Whether you enjoy physical activities or prefer more relaxed pursuits, there is something for everyone.
Security and peace of mind
You can have peace of mind when retirement living in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, New South Wales or Melbourne, as TriCare offers an extra layer of security to all of our residents – not just the peace of living in a secure village environment, but also the security of having staff on call 24 hours a day if you notice anything unusual or need assistance.
Security is one of the advantages of moving to a TriCare community, says Runaway Bay Retirement Community resident Lyn Geisel: “The safety and security I feel in living at TriCare Runaway Bay Retirement Community gives me such peace of mind which only adds to my well-being, health and happiness.”
Knowing that help is always available can greatly enhance your sense of safety and reduce anxiety. You can enjoy your retirement without worrying about unforeseen emergencies.
What sort of health and wellness activities do TriCare retirement villages offer?
Retirement Living communities prioritise the health and wellbeing of their residents. At TriCare, we offer a variety of activities and programs designed to promote physical fitness, mental acuity, and emotional fulfilment. Some health and wellness activities you can enjoy include:
1. Fitness classes
Stay active and maintain your physical health by participating in our fitness classes available and tailored to different fitness levels. From yoga and tai chi to aqua aerobics and strength training, these classes are led by trained staff who can help you stay fit and flexible, or even learn a new skill. Benefit? Regular physical activity can improve your overall health and help manage chronic conditions, as well as boost your sense of wellbeing.
2. Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities: Take advantage of the beautiful outdoors by engaging in outdoor activities like walking or cycling – either on your own, with your neighbours, or in a local ‘Keep Active’ group. Each of our retirement villages are local to beautiful surroundings, pristine coastlines or lush national parks to explore. Spending time in nature can boost your mood and provide a sense of relaxation.
3. Wellness on-hand
A big advantage of independent living in a retirement community is that health professionals tend to be on hand to attend to your needs. From visiting GPs, nurses, and other health practitioners to swimming instructors, yoga instructors, hairdressers, and beauticians, health and wellness care comes to you, rather than you trying to find these things yourself. TriCare also offers the amenities where you can make the most of what these professionals offer, and are always open to new service requests from our residents.
Having easy access to healthcare services also ensures that you receive timely medical attention and support. This can lead to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.
4. Social events and clubs
Every TriCare Retirement Community has its own calendar of lifestyle activities, whether you’re Retirement Living in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, New South Wales or Melbourne,. We hold a regular mix of staff and resident organised activities and resident-driven ideas to bring everyone together, but your level of participation is entirely up to you. Most of our communities have their own Resident Social Committee, which also always welcome new members and ideas.
Vibrant communities
Joining one of our vibrant communities allows you to pursue your interests while enjoying the company of others, whether its learning a new skill or building on hobbies you already love. Participating in social events and activities allows you to build connections and stay involved with the community, however, all residents are encouraged to be as engaged in as much or as little as they like.
Retire & Shine at TriCare
Retirement is a time to celebrate and embrace a new chapter in your life, and it’s a great opportunity to take the time to prioritise your health and wellbeing. Creating a wellness plan that encompasses physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects can help you to make the most of your retirement plan as you enjoy independent living and the facilities that Retirement Living options can offer.
As a beloved resident of our TriCare Retirement Villages, you gain access to a range of amenities and activities that promote an active lifestyle, foster social connections, and provide emotional fulfilment. Engaging in wellness programs, fitness classes, and social events not only improves your physical health but also enhances your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Age is just a number, after all, and with a wellness plan and the support of a Retirement Community, you can enjoy a happy, active retirement. Each of our retirement villages in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, New South Wales or Melbourne, allow you to nurture your wellbeing, and enjoy the fulfilling life you deserve. Investing in your health and wellbeing now can pay off in the long run, allowing you to live a more vibrant and joyful life.
Want to find out more about the activities at TriCare Retirement Communities?
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